About the case: The case was initiated against 24 individuals from the “Azov” battalion (a terrorist organization forbidden in Russia [we are obligated by the Russian law to write this, ed. note]), nine of them being women, with two others exchanged before the start of the trial. The defendants are accused under Article 278 of the Criminal Code – violent seizure of power or violent retention of power, as well as Article 205.5 of the Criminal Code – organizing the activities of a terrorist organization and participating in the activities of such an organization. Several defendants are charged under Article 205.3 of the Criminal Code – training for terrorist activities.

The case is being considered by the three-judge panel, presided by Judge Vyacheslav Alexeevich Korsakov of the Southern Military District Court.

The court announced the reason for the delay – the untimely delivery of the defendants. Some defendants’ lawyers are absent, but other lawyers present in the session have warrants. Defendant Yelena Lazarevna Avramova is participating via video link, as she could not be transported due to health reasons. Both sides believe there are no obstacles to continue, and the court has decided to proceed with the session.

Avramova’s defender (lawyer Yesinovskaya) files a motion to postpone the session, as her client underwent surgery on February 20th due to a fracture. Currently, Avramova was brought in on a stretcher for the video link, and according to the doctor’s recommendations, she should be under observation and take medications for four weeks. The defender states that Avramova is feeling extremely unwell and finds it difficult to sit. She offers to present a discharge summary as confirmation and asks to attach the petition.

The court asks the prosecutor about the planned agenda for today. The prosecutor responds that he will read the written testimony of defendant Golfiner and also request for an extension of detention.

The court asks Avramova if she will be able to participate for a short time. She agrees to one hour.

The court decided to proceed with the session.

The court announces that a media representative is present at the session and asks for his petition. It permits photos and videos to be taken after the session. The media representative requests enough time to take photos, stating, ‘not like last time when they immediately took everyone away,’ and clarifies with the court, ‘at least 5 minutes.’

The prosecutor reads documents related to N.V. Golfiner (protocol on the right to defense, protocol of waiver of defense, order to accept the waiver of defense, and three interrogation protocols without defense). After the reading, Golfiner’s defender stated that she did not hear any contradictions in the read testimony and suggested the prosecutor read only contradictory parts, not everything. The court responded that if the defense intends to appeal the court’s satisfaction of the petition to read the testimonies, it can be done when appealing the final judgment. The prosecutor asked Golfiner whether she supports the read testimonies and to what extent. Golfiner replied that she did not say part of what was read; it was added to her protocol, and she was told to sign it, assuring her that it would not affect her situation.

The prosecutor files a motion to read the testimonies of Kasatkin and Labitsky (these defendants were exchanged before the trial) and to continue the proceedings against them in absentia. The defenders of the absent defendants left the matter to the discretion of the court. Avramova’s defender asks to read the testimonies in the next session as her client is unwell. The court agrees.

The prosecutor requests to extend the detention for another three months.

The court sets the date for the next session and clarifies who among the defendants reported inappropriate investigative methods so that all statements could be sent for further investigation (the secretary notes that Pavilionidis, Dubrovyn, and Gretsky have reported so far). The court tells the defenders that any additional statements should be submitted today.

Next, the defendants and their defenders speak on the issue of extending detention. Most defendants are against it, some leave it to the court’s discretion. The defenders support their clients’ positions. The court retires to the deliberation room.

Four defenders and a media representative returned for the announcement; Avramova still participates via video conference calls. The court announces it has granted the extension of detention for three months and granted the motion to continue the case against Labitsky and Kasatkin in absentia. It also states that the statements for further investigation are sent to the Investigative Committee of the Donetsk People’s Republic.